When Bravo announced its upcoming programming, fans were quick to notice that RHONY was missing from the list. Many expected The Real Housewives of New York, a legacy series, to return for its 16th season. While they are reportedly just between seasons, fans have been quick to place the blame for the delay. Many believe one housewife in particular caused the show’s decline. 

‘The Real Housewives of New York’ is on pause

Bravo’s upcoming scheduling includes new seasons of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Potomac, and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. They are also adding The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. Andy Cohen said this doesn’t mean RHONY has been canceled.

“We are between seasons,” he said on Andy Cohen Live. “Last week, when I was here, the Bravo execs met with 10 potential new Real Housewives of New York. This is called the casting process between seasons and it’s heavily underway.”

The show went through a complete cast turnover for season 14.

‘RHONY’ fans say 1 housewife is to blame for the show’s decline

In the 12th season of RHONY, the show welcomed new cast member Leah McSweeney. Many fans had a problem with her, and have blamed her for the show’s decline and current position. Fans took issue with the fact that McSweeney didn’t seem to fit in naturally with the existing cast.

“I was thinking this today,” one Reddit user wrote. “A big reason I like RHONY is they are actual friends. Shallow, narcissistic, and petty, but they are real relationships. I’m not sure Leah fits.”

Others added that they thought McSweeney tried too hard to manufacture storylines and drama.

“She had nothing in common with the veterans,” wrote another person. “They would never be friends with her in real life and she was just so phony. The others had done it long enough to keep it casual, but everything Leah did was performative.”

Many described her as “inauthentic” and didn’t believe she tried hard enough to connect with the other women.

Some ‘RHONY’ fans have come to her defense 

While many blame McSweeney for the show’s current position, a number of others rushed to her defense. They believed production was to blame for any stilted dynamic between McSweeney and the rest of the cast.

“She’s honestly saving this season for me,” wrote one person. “She’s brings a new vibe to Rhony and I like it. I’m kind of tired of the whole Upper East Side life. Production should have paired her with someone (outside of Tinsley). Also, production should have pulled a RHOBH and brought back older cast mates.”

Others blamed the show’s problems on COVID. 

“I have NEVER ever understood the Leah hate,” one person wrote. “Never. She did not ruin RHONY. COVID did. She did nothing in RHONY that warrants the hate she receives. I will never understand it.”

Even those who didn’t necessarily like McSweeney said she brought an interesting new presence to the show. She appeared on two seasons as a full-time cast member.